The food journal of the lady who doesn't eat just about everything, because she is just one annoyingly fussy person with food and probably has a longer list of food she doesn't like compared to those she likes.
Follow me on my expedition in the search to share things I enjoy to satisfy my picky taste buds at your own risk of being annoyed.
Picky with what I eat, curious about the stories behind the scene and capturing the moments through my lens and diary here...

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Monday, May 03, 2010

Oriental styled Wedding @ Oriental Palace, Section 19

Wedding invitations from my peers seem to be on the rise these days; perhaps it is also a gentle reminder that we are of the legal marrying age? =P

One of the best wedding dinners I have attended was two years ago, in the Johor restaurant which I blogged about (one of my closest girl friends from workplace's wedding ceremony) and this time, I have to say, this recent wedding dinner I have attended, beat it to top the list of one of most delicious dinner =)

This is the wedding of my primary school friend; whereby I have known the bride and groom since then. In fact, their relationship went all the way back then too and it withstood the test of time till this very day, where it was finally sealed in a blissful union =)

They have chosen to hold their banquet at this restaurant, Oriental Palace in Section 19; which is near the Lisa De Inn (following the route to British American Tobacco)

The name Oriental Palace fits the place perfectly, as stepping into the hall and the dining arena makes one feel posh amidst the grandeur of the place. At the same time, the concept of the interior was kept simple with the delicate touch to exude the classy and elegance of the Oriental style.

Flat screens are plastered on the walls; displaying the wedding photos of the hosts for the day.

As usual, a Malaysian Chinese wedding dinner never starts on time, which is the reason why they always serve you appetizers such as peanuts and placing the menu to tempt your appetites.

There is also a complimentary box containing chocolates for the dinner guests.

Embracing the menu builds the high expectations in me as I looked forward to an almost complete and exquisite seafood set dinner here.

We didn't have to wait long; only the usual 1.5-2 hours before the dinner is finally served (yeah, I am always the punctual one who follows the time on the invitation card to the dot)

First dish: Oriental Banquet Four CombinationsFrom left: Deep fried homemade seafood beancurd, sweet and sour baby octopus with jellyfish salad, fish cake with century, duck eggs and crab meat wrapped with dried beancurd sheets, and on top, assorted vegetables with chicken in a deep fried vermicelli basket.The beancurd was absolutely unique and tasty, it just keeps you wanting more with its special taste albeit a little salty. Everything looked pretty normal at first glance, but each of them tasted heavenly when it touched the taste buds.

2nd Dish: Braised Shark's Fin Soup with Crabmeat & CrabroeI am an advocate against the cruelty to sharks, and I am one of those who does not take sharks' fin. However, according to everyone, the ingredients were generous especially the sharks' fin which came in thick slices (guess this is good for most people) and there was also an abundance of fresh crab meat.The broth was also perfectly boiled whereby it was not too thick nor diluted.

3rd Dish: Pan Fried White Tuna Fish with Pomelo SauceThis is one of the most unique dish I have ever tried.Breaking away from the conventional serving of a whole steamed fish of a supreme genre, this consists of fish fillets (white tuna) served in a unique concoction of pomelo with a light citrus scent and sweet sourish taste.This had my vote as one of the BEST dish for the night.It really had everyone raving about its uniqueness and delicious taste. (I am already thinking about it as I write this post and looking at the picture!~)

4th Dish: Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab in Money BagWhile we were still spirited away (literally) by the last scrumptious dish, we were again surprised by this next dish, which was again, another unique selection for a wedding dinner.

I have never heard of crabs being served at a wedding dinner; and this, is no ordinary crab dish where you use your little hammer or whatever tools to knock your way through the shell.In fact, this is a pretty much DIY kinda dish; whereby you have got to wrap the piece of soft shell crab in the steamed bun to eat it.(Guess the wrap would define the money bag?)It was kinda messy for some, but it was worth the trouble as the taste was just inexplicable!

The steamed bun actually lent its sweet yeast taste to complement the deep fried and slightly saltish (not to mention oily) taste from the soft shell crab.This is definitely an unforgettable dish, and this is also another of my favorite dish for the night!

5th Dish: Poached Live Tiger prawns with Shao Hsing wineFresh prawns are best done the poached way and with a light hint of Chinese wine and OP decided to add the bamboo basket in which the dish was placed to add to that authentic Oriental serving style.I love prawns; especially when they are so fresh...and who says no to prawns anyway (except those with allergies)

6th Dish: Braised Assorted Mushroom wrapped in Chinese CabbageTime for some greens; they were supposed to serve this before the prawns.At one glance, you'd have thought that the restaurant mixed up the name of the dish as it seems to be more of broccoli greens rather than the assorted mushrooms as indicated in the name.

However, at a closer glance, the broccolis were just a distraction from the central attraction whereby the mushrooms were covered by the mound of beancurd sheets forming the center of the dish.There were shittake, button, golden mushrooms, enoki and even water chestnuts. A good and healthy combination to balance the overall meal.

7th Dish: Fried Rice with AnchoviesEven a plain dish like fried rice was done with style and it tasted just great. The simple ingredient of anchovies lent the aromatic taste to the fried rice with eggs, french beans and fresh shrimps.

Most of us were already full by this time of the dinner; even before the desserts (that's the norm, ain't it?)

8th Dish: Double Boiled Snow Pear with Sea Coconut

9th dish: Glutinous rice dumpling with black sesame paste and thousand layered sponge custardThe name in Chinese actually translated to Ma Lai Kou and I was a bit surprised that such a lovely banquet chose this traditional cake to be served.Not that it was a bad choice, but I think it was rather plain compared to the overall extravagant selection of dishes in the banquet.

However, I was again surprised by this "plain simple dish" despite feeling full as the cake was just so soft and fluffy and it was really fragrant with the light egg smell. The plus point was; it was actually served piping hot, a huge change from other dinners I have gone to; wedding or not.I enjoyed every bite of this cake so much!

Needless to say, with my constant raves about the food, you can see that I definitely left with a happy smile; a happier one than I came to congratulate the couple and I must say, this place really had me in awe with its presentation and food quality.

Highly recommended for weddings or for any occasions, I was simply delighted with the food and environment here.

To end it with the note I started, a toast to my beloved friends who are finally married after 15 years of relationship and to multiple folds of those years to come =)

I am holding my wedding dinner in JB but not sure where should i held the dinner. After reading your blog i would like to try this restaurant. Could you kindly send me the address and telephone number to my email: kelly_lai69@hotmail.comIs this place far away from the town? Hope to hear from you soon and thank you so much!